Milwaukee’s First Black Biker Bar Is History
Twisters Inn shut down last fall, citing a rent hike. Cajun restaurant set to replace it.
Site of Twisters Inn, 508 W. Center St. Photo by Sophie Bolich.
For more than 30 years, a summertime trip through Harambee was likely to reveal a line of gleaming motorcycles near the intersection of N. 5th and W. Center streets. The bikes, parked at a slant and often decked out with custom modifications, sat pretty while their riders refueled at Twisters Inn.
The tavern recognized as Milwaukee’s first Black biker bar actually operated at several locations over the years, most recently at 508 W. Center St. under the longtime ownership of Miley “Shorty” Howard. It served as a home base for motorcycle clubs, including the Throttle Twisters, which was founded in the 1950s by the Black biker community.
In its heyday, the tavern hosted frequent events, ranging from DJ performances and holiday parties to fundraisers and safety trainings. It also came alive during the annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming, welcoming bikers from all walks of life to connect over a shared passion for motorcycles.
After Howard’s passing, his daughter Latoya took ownership of the business, continuing his legacy until the tavern’s permanent closure in late 2024. Latoya announced the closure in an Oct. 30 Facebook post, citing a 150% rent increase and other financial demands by the new building owner as the reason behind the decision.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of Twisters Inn,” she wrote in the post. “This is a demand me and my family are not, will not, and cannot agree to. Nor will I ever agree to these terms. Therefore, we will be vacating the premises.”
The message went on to thank the community for its support and invited patrons for a “last hurrah.” Latoya also asked bargoers to help amplify her concerns over the situation. “It’s unfair for them to bully me out of my father’s legacy,” she wrote.
After several months of vacancy, the building is now slated to become a bar and restaurant, according to a license application. Jason Gold plans to open Cajun Soul MKE, a sit-down restaurant serving classic dishes from the Bayou.
A proposed menu features starters like wings, alligator bites and crawfish, along with appetizers such as Cajun pasta, blackened chicken, catfish, shrimp and crab boil. Additional offerings would include oysters, étouffée, dirty rice and gumbo.
Gold has also requested a liquor license and plans to offer a wide variety of entertainment including bands, instrumental musicians, comedians, DJs, dancing, a jukebox and several amusement machines. A floor plan for the 2,448-square-foot tavern shows bar and table seating, a dance floor and an outdoor patio.
A license for Cajun Soul MKE is pending before the Milwaukee Common Council. If approved, the business is proposed to open in April with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
The Center Street building, originally constructed in 1923, was sold for $75,000 in October 2024. The buyer, NL76 Holdings, LLC, lists Craig Berry, Sr. as its registered agent. Ralph Fleege was the building’s previous owner.
Neither Gold nor Berry could be reached for comment by the time of publication.
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